Euro NCAP has recognised the Mercedes-Benz A Class, Lexus ES and Hyundai Nexo as the safest cars of 2018.

The car safety test classification specialist, which has its testing programme carried out by Thatcham Research, revealed the year’s “Best in Class” vehicles today (December 12).

Underlining the safety of new low-emission drivetrain solutions, two of the three class winners were alternatively-fuelled vehicles (AFVs).

In a statement issued today, Euro NCAP described the A-Class as “the stand out performer amongst Small Family Cars” after it delivered this year’s overall best result.

The Lexus ES was the best all-round performer in the Large Family Car category and also claimed Euro NCAP’s new award for best performing hybrid or electric car in the 2018 season of safety testing.

Hyundai Nexo hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) was crowned the best of the Large Off-Roaders by Euro NCAP, meanwhile, ahead of its introduction to the UK market in 2019.

Euro NCAP secretary general, Michiel van Ratingen, said: “In 2018 we introduced tough new tests, with a particular focus on Vulnerable Road User protection. 

“The three Best in Class award winners this year all clearly demonstrate that car-makers are striving for the highest levels of protection and that Euro NCAP’s assessments are a catalyst for these crucial safety improvements.

“Euro NCAP put automated driving technology to the test in 2018 for the first time and our findings helped clarify some of the confusion motoring consumers are currently experiencing. 

“Assisted driving systems can bring safety and convenience benefits but full automation is a long way off. 

“We will follow and assess these developments closely and ensure that consumers have all the information they need when considering these new driver technologies.

“In the meantime our assessment Road Map presents some important challenges for vehicle manufacturers in the years ahead and we hope that all car-makers will rise to this opportunity as Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Hyundai have done this year.”

Commenting on the Hyundai Nexo’s accolade, which follows testing by Thatcham which resulted in it becoming the first FCEV to be awarded the maximum five-star overall rating by Euro NCAP, Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Hyundai Motor Europe’s vice president of marketing and product, said: “The Euro NCAP ‘Best in Class’ 2018 title for the Hyundai Nexo is a great honour for us.

“It proves that Nexo is not only the safest fuel cell electric vehicle on the market, but also leading the way among SUVs with traditional powertrains.

“Hyundai is committed to provide customers and other road users with the highest level of safety, while offering innovative mobility solutions.

“This accolade by Euro NCAP is further evidence of our industry-leading position in the field of future mobility.”

Watch Euro NCAP highlight the safety test performance of its 'Best in Class' models of 2018: